i30 Owners Club

MODIFYING OR DETAILING YOUR I30 => ELECTRICAL | ELECTRONIC | AUDIO => Topic started by: constipated on February 10, 2013, 19:47:57

Title: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 10, 2013, 19:47:57
Revisiting the idea of a DRL.

Keen on it, but do I have technical know how being not handy at all.

Before committing.

What do you guys think of possible positions.

Option 1: About 45cm from the edge of the car, though I can't find any requirement on Australian design rules that states it has to be within 40cm from edge. From the Australian web site the instruction diagram does not have this requirement anyway.

Would have something to screw the bracket into, ie the solid plastic grille behind

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a620/constipated1/DRL/i30DRL1_zpse4787a8c.jpg)

Option 2:
More conventional horizontal look, but will only fit on that part of the grille which is criss cross in pattern and nothing to screw it onto directly behind. Could screw one end of it upwards onto the underneath part of the grille where the number plate attaches and then perhaps use a cable tie to tie it to the grille on the lateral end but perhaps not as sturdy.

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a620/constipated1/DRL/i30DRL2_zps4f03efd5.jpg)

What do people think?
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on February 10, 2013, 22:51:25
This, from RACQ may help decide your positioning..... :undecided:

http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/daytime_running_lights (http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/daytime_running_lights)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: druggist on February 10, 2013, 23:20:45
I think the Peugeot look looks best.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 10, 2013, 23:36:31
This, from RACQ may help decide your positioning..... :undecided:

http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/daytime_running_lights (http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/daytime_running_lights)

Thanks. I think the Peugeot look will meet all of those requirements.

I'm looking at Philips Daylight 4 system off Amazon US.

I will post another pic of the headlight cable to get more advice about connecting it to that. It has a sleeve that I think I will need to open up to find the individual wires.

My basic reading is that the control box connects to the battery terminals. The DRLs turn on only when they sense alternator running hence >13-14V. The headlight wire to parking lights senses when it is switched on and turns off DRL.

Sounds easy enough.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: neptune on February 10, 2013, 23:43:26
you can get DRL's from Germany that replace the eyelids of your foglamps and give you that natural, original equipment look....
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on February 10, 2013, 23:47:00
This video may help..... :)

http://youtu.be/grmPzh1iels (http://youtu.be/grmPzh1iels)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 10, 2013, 23:55:02
you can get DRL's from Germany that replace the eyelids of your foglamps and give you that natural, original equipment look....

Do you have a link?
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: neptune on February 11, 2013, 03:04:58
Try this one.....

http://www.ath-hinsberger.de/tuning_mazda_kia_hyundai_zubehoer.php/sid/694b379bac839e7134e9e7b979e7cab7/cl/alist/cnid/3af4b21056c549176.55377193 (http://www.ath-hinsberger.de/tuning_mazda_kia_hyundai_zubehoer.php/sid/694b379bac839e7134e9e7b979e7cab7/cl/alist/cnid/3af4b21056c549176.55377193)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on February 11, 2013, 03:28:18
These ones would be good, I reckon.....except you'd probably get booked for driving with your fog lights on..... :snigger:

:link: (http://www.ath-hinsberger.de/tuning_mazda_kia_hyundai_zubehoer.php/sid/7d091eba5a337c68839ad89f35bfe243/cl/details/cnid/3af4b21056c549176.55377193/anid/5364b430769326237.08969353/tpl/-/lang/1)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 11, 2013, 04:11:46
Thanks for the links.

Wow, though. Expensive. Almost AU$300 compared to about $95 for the Philips version.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Pip on February 11, 2013, 13:26:07
What about just wiring the (front) parkers to be on with engine running? No good? This is what many do anyway when a little dark or overcast.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 11, 2013, 19:56:47
What about just wiring the (front) parkers to be on with engine running? No good? This is what many do anyway when a little dark or overcast.

I don't think they compare in terms of brightness. I think 100m away you'd struggle to notice parking lamps on a car especially on a brightish day but DRLs make a car quite obvious.

Having a grey car I've always been a bit wary that people may not see it well.

This even more so even with just a bit of rain when I usually put headlights on. I can't believe some drivers out there when it's pissing down rain and it doesn't even cross their mind to put on their headlights.

So basically I believe in the safety benefits of DRLs and probably more economical (and brighter) than permanent low beams.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Dazzler on February 11, 2013, 20:11:48
What about just wiring the (front) parkers to be on with engine running? No good? This is what many do anyway when a little dark or overcast.

I don't think they compare in terms of brightness. I think 100m away you'd struggle to notice parking lamps on a car especially on a brightish day but DRLs make a car quite obvious.

Having a grey car I've always been a bit wary that people may not see it well.

This even more so even with just a bit of rain when I usually put headlights on. I can't believe some drivers out there when it's pissing down rain and it doesn't even cross their mind to put on their headlights.

So basically I believe in the safety benefits of DRLs and probably more economical (and brighter) than permanent low beams.

 :whsaid: (Except for the grey car bit)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on February 11, 2013, 20:17:16
I have a grey car too. It is a dangerous colour, they can disappear completely in heat shimmer, I've seen it happen. I have some LED DRL's but haven't put them on yet, they are also orange turning lights too.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Pip on February 11, 2013, 23:42:29
What about just wiring the (front) parkers to be on with engine running? No good? This is what many do anyway when a little dark or overcast.

I don't think they compare in terms of brightness. I think 100m away you'd struggle to notice parking lamps on a car especially on a brightish day but DRLs make a car quite obvious.

What if they were brightened up with leds? Parking or sidelights seem like a very old fashioned idea to me.  I mean, who really leaves their car parked with the lights on?
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Dazzler on February 12, 2013, 00:01:44
What about just wiring the (front) parkers to be on with engine running? No good? This is what many do anyway when a little dark or overcast.

I don't think they compare in terms of brightness. I think 100m away you'd struggle to notice parking lamps on a car especially on a brightish day but DRLs make a car quite obvious.

What if they were brightened up with leds? Parking or sidelights seem like a very old fashioned idea to me.  I mean, who really leaves their car parked with the lights on?
I think that idea is very valid Pip. Some aftermarket DRLs can look dodgy  :undecided:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 12, 2013, 00:43:42
I have a grey car too. It is a dangerous colour, they can disappear completely in heat shimmer, I've seen it happen. I have some LED DRL's but haven't put them on yet, they are also orange turning lights too.

What model of DRL did you end up getting?
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: cewi on February 12, 2013, 10:51:44
Hi,

I also installed last year DRLs - Mercedes L-Style  :razz:

(http://www10.pic-upload.de/25.02.12/am7e18g2q1yq.jpg)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 12, 2013, 11:33:58
Researching this more before committing.

This is the headlight plug in the FD i30.

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a620/constipated1/DRL/IMG_4884_zpsb8bcb85d.jpg)

Fitting instructions suggest to identify the parking light wire, you insert the end of an orange wire from the control box into the different holes and it will light up when it detects the powered parking light wire.

However the plug is at a nice 90 degree angle and I'm not sure how figuring out a particular hole had the right connection translates to identifying the wire behind it.

Also the headlight wires are all encased in a nice tight sleeve. Anyone know how many wires would be within that bundle and any alternative way of identifying the right wire?

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a620/constipated1/DRL/IMG_4886_zps43a0ccad.jpg)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Maximum on February 25, 2013, 02:14:50
I may have missed this suggestion before as I can't see pictures from the computer I'm posting from but the most OEM looking place to locate the DRLs would probably be the small trim above the fogs but below the headlights.  :winker:

Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 25, 2013, 02:39:42
I may have missed this suggestion before as I can't see pictures from the computer I'm posting from but the most OEM looking place to locate the DRLs would probably be the small trim above the fogs but below the headlights.  :winker:

Unfortunately, that's not possible with this aftermarket setup unless you are talking about cutting into the bumper which I wouldn't want to or be able to do.

Above all, I guess I'm looking for functionality so I'll accept it looking a bit non-OEM for the benefits of DRLs.

The suggestions from Germany above about more integrated solutions seemed quite prohibitively expensive.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Maximum on February 25, 2013, 03:09:41
Yep - definitely would be drilling involved so scratch that last  :snigger: That being said, I'd be really interested to see how that set up actually looked - I reckon' it would look actually quite nice and would make the front end a little more sophisticated.  :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: tla on February 25, 2013, 07:57:50
Do you know why a line to the parking lights are needed?  Typically, the DRLs are dimmed or shut off when the headlights are on, rather than the parking lights.

If you can use the headlights, then you can use one of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GKEXK2/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p263 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GKEXK2/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p263_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=0MP554N4C1WCNAE0ZCT5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939291&pf_rd_i=507846) to tap a signal frrom a headlight fuse in the engine bay.   So, there would be no need to cut into the cables.  AFAIK there is no dedicated fuse for the parking lights.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on February 25, 2013, 09:03:59
Do you know why a line to the parking lights are needed?  Typically, the DRLs are dimmed or shut off when the headlights are on, rather than the parking lights.


Here in Australia, the DRLs must switch off both with parking lights as well as headlights (unless they reduce to parking light intensity). DRLs with parking lights on might get you noticed by the police depending on how much spare time they have.

The control box for the DRLs connects to the battery but has a sensing wire.  There is a "scotch-lock" to connect to the parking light wire to sense when it has current. It then switches off the DRLs.

I've now figured I can undo the base of the headlight connector and see the 6 wires entering it.  I just need to use the control box to help me identify which one is the parking wire.

I'm confident enough to order the kit now.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: tla on February 25, 2013, 12:00:24
Good luck with it.  I gave up on fitting DRLs to my FD because I couldn't find a good position to fit them.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: The Gonz on February 26, 2013, 14:57:01
With European cars all mandated with DRLs, it will be merely a matter of time before all new cars here will have them, so I'll just hold out so I can stand out from the crowd for not having DRLs.  :cool:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Doggie 1 on February 26, 2013, 14:59:40
People knock Volvos but they invented DRLs and had them as standard equipment on the 244 in 1975.
I've owned a couple of Volvos in my time (a 1979 244 GL manual & a 1979 264 GLE V6 auto) and they were damn good cars.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on February 26, 2013, 22:45:53
I think we actually knock the people who drive Volvos....  :p  :whistler:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Doggie 1 on February 26, 2013, 23:44:36
Careful Rusty, you'll upset our newcomer.  ;)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on February 26, 2013, 23:47:15
 :whistler:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on March 12, 2013, 11:55:15
I did manage to install the Philips daylight 4 system. Unfortunately the Peugeot look didn't work as I could not get the DRLs to face directly forwards. They went of to the side at a slight angle and this greatly diminishes their brightness head on. Basically I went with option 2. Could have taken me 2 hours if I hadn't been such a bloody noob.

They are amazingly bright. That's why I look at the pictures of the Ebay GD DRLs that some people have fitted and feel they must not be performing up to factory specs. Anyway, I do like them. I don't care that they look non OEM. My aim was always for functionality and safety, not looks.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 23, 2013, 20:29:18
I may have missed this suggestion before as I can't see pictures from the computer I'm posting from but the most OEM looking place to locate the DRLs would probably be the small trim above the fogs but below the headlights.  :winker:
I,ve been thinking about fitting drl's on the under side of that trim.  :idea:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: baroudeur on March 25, 2013, 17:01:05
Use the existing fog lamps.  Only requires a 5 pin changeover relay to replace the existing fog lamp relay.  Two piggyback fuse holders abnd some wire.

I replaced the bulbs with @blue' types giving a whiter light as the LEDs I tried were not bright enough.

DRLs come on with ignition and go off with lights on and comply with U.K. lighting regulations.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on March 25, 2013, 19:54:56
Use the existing fog lamps.  Only requires a 5 pin changeover relay to replace the existing fog lamp relay.  Two piggyback fuse holders abnd some wire.

I replaced the bulbs with @blue' types giving a whiter light as the LEDs I tried were not bright enough.

DRLs come on with ignition and go off with lights on and comply with U.K. lighting regulations.

Here in Australia, fog lamps are fog lamps regardless of the bulbs inside. There's a substantial fine and 3 licence demerit points for inappropriate use of fog lamps in clear weather.  Are the rules different in the UK?
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 25, 2013, 22:33:20
Seems it's much the same in the UK as it is for us in OZ...  :undecided:

Quote
236

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

*Taken from the UK Highway Code
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: KKOM on March 26, 2013, 20:47:58
Use the existing fog lamps.  Only requires a 5 pin changeover relay to replace the existing fog lamp relay.  Two piggyback fuse holders abnd some wire.

I replaced the bulbs with @blue' types giving a whiter light as the LEDs I tried were not bright enough.

DRLs come on with ignition and go off with lights on and comply with U.K. lighting regulations.
Hi,
Can you give more details for DIY ?
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: baroudeur on March 28, 2013, 15:31:05
Seems it's much the same in the UK as it is for us in OZ...  :undecided:

Quote
236

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

*Taken from the UK Highway Code

The difference is that Australian regulations make the  improper use of fog lamps an offence whereas the U.K. would rely on "causing dazzle"  or possibly, but  most unlikely, "driving without due care".

As, by definition, DRLs are only on during daylight their use cannot cause dazzle and, as they turn off when the position/headlamps are turned on, they comply with U.K. legislation.  There are cars with OE DRLs using filament bulbs in the fog lamp location.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 28, 2013, 16:19:41
Now don't all Jump on me as this is only my opinion on two subjects brought up in this thread and I have said it before in other threads,I fully realise why PPL want these DRL's,but I am seeing them more and more on a lot of vehicles,both factory and after market units,for me personally,I think they just look like extremely cheap tack ones,I have seen it the past few days a brand new I 45,it has factory fitted DRL's LED's and the way they are shaped,to me makes them look like cheap stick ones.
Not sure about other countries,but if they are allowing the DRL's to be run here in Oz,why would you not just fit a set of fog lamps if not already fitted and use them as DRL's,still do the same job makes you highly visible and they are not as blinding as the factory DRL's.

Second subject bought up was car colour,the dreaded silver or charcoal cars,IMHO most dangerous coloured cars on the road(for at least one reason someone has already mentioned),personally if it were up to me I would ban manufacturers from producing these colours,but hey this is from bloke that believes it should be compulsory to drive with lights on 24/7,whether it be headlights,foglights and Parker's or DRL's
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 28, 2013, 16:29:50
Use the existing fog lamps.  Only requires a 5 pin changeover relay to replace the existing fog lamp relay.  Two piggyback fuse holders abnd some wire.

I replaced the bulbs with @blue' types giving a whiter light as the LEDs I tried were not bright enough.

DRLs come on with ignition and go off with lights on and comply with U.K. lighting regulations.

Here in Australia, fog lamps are fog lamps regardless of the bulbs inside. There's a substantial fine and 3 licence demerit points for inappropriate use of fog lamps in clear weather.  Are the rules different in the UK?

what you say is true,I have been using fog lamps as DRL's for the past 16 years not once got pulled up or spoken to about it by any police in any state,even when I have been picked up for any other reason license checks, RBT's, if they allow DRL's now the fog lamp rules are  going to have to be either taken out or reveiwed,for ALL the manufacturer fitted and some of the after market DRL's I have seen on vehicles are almost to the point of being blinding even in daylight hours, to my way of thinking that is far more detrimental to other road users than a fog light.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 20:01:02
motorbikes run the headlight continuesly for visibility.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on March 28, 2013, 20:19:27
Volvo started this with a puny filament bulb, which you couldn't see until it was too late. A good idea in northern Europe where the sun can be seasonally dim, but designers of modern cars have gone berserk with the concept and turned it into a fashion statement.

We have the PW individual led strips to the very bright, even in broad daylight, single row jobs (achieved by using reflectors), and of course the meandering shape of the Hy brand.

Surprisingly, all these pass the necessary legislative requirements.  :Dunno:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 20:30:36
some of the new cars with drl's in the headlight make it hard too see the indicator flashing in the day time.  :eek:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 28, 2013, 23:02:23
Use the existing fog lamps.  Only requires a 5 pin changeover relay to replace the existing fog lamp relay.  Two piggyback fuse holders abnd some wire.

I replaced the bulbs with @blue' types giving a whiter light as the LEDs I tried were not bright enough.

DRLs come on with ignition and go off with lights on and comply with U.K. lighting regulations.

But, the use of existing fog lights as DRL's will still not be legal as they don't have the all important "ECE R87 Approval Mark".
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 28, 2013, 23:11:06
A good idea in northern Europe where the sun can be seasonally dim, but designers of modern cars have gone berserk with the concept and turned it into a fashion statement.

I agree, and in my opinion most people that retrofit them are not doing so for the added "visibility" but more for the "Look At Me, Look At Me" factor....  :undecided:  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 23:11:58
i think you'd need to get a real nasty cop, having a very bad day to pull you over and fine you.  :idea: :winker:  now a boy racer driving around at 2am with a heavily modified car,that would be a completely different story.  IMO  :Drive::gotcha::TutTut:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 23:13:06
A good idea in northern Europe where the sun can be seasonally dim, but designers of modern cars have gone berserk with the concept and turned it into a fashion statement.

I agree, and in my opinion most people that retrofit them are not doing so for the added "visibility" but more for the "Look At Me, Look At Me" factor....  :undecided:  :rolleyes:
  look at moy,look at moy.  :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 28, 2013, 23:16:38
Was tempted to put that, Steve...but figured our overseas members would be saying, wtf!  :lol:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on March 28, 2013, 23:25:34
Waiting for an overseas member  :deserted:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 23:28:34
Waiting for an overseas member  :deserted:
did you buy it on eBay Phil?  :Shocked: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :whistler:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 23:29:49
Was tempted to put that, Steve...but figured our overseas members would be saying, wtf!  :lol:
they get Kath and Kim in the UK,i think they do.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Shambles on March 28, 2013, 23:32:58
Overseas member calling. Moy means jack shit I'm afraid, as do Kath and Kim :eek:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: 2i30s on March 28, 2013, 23:39:15
video assistance needed,RUSTY.  :idea:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 28, 2013, 23:46:52
You're not encouraging me to go off topic are you, Steve?  :whistler:

Oh ok.....

http://youtu.be/HeqNEFJ9RiU (http://youtu.be/HeqNEFJ9RiU)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: constipated on March 28, 2013, 23:50:20
what you say is true,I have been using fog lamps as DRL's for the past 16 years not once got pulled up or spoken to about it by any police in any state,even when I have been picked up for any other reason license checks, RBT's, if they allow DRL's now the fog lamp rules are  going to have to be either taken out or reveiwed,for ALL the manufacturer fitted and some of the after market DRL's I have seen on vehicles are almost to the point of being blinding even in daylight hours, to my way of thinking that is far more detrimental to other road users than a fog light.

Perhaps the police out West are a bit more lax in regards to enforcing this.

I think it's an illusion that DRLs are brighter than fog lights. A simple test is to compare at night with just the DRLs vs fogs or headlights. I wouldn't want to be driving just with DRLs at night. Too dim.

I think what you're seeing is that the DRLs catch your eye and you end up looking directly at it and they seem bright. In a way they've done their job.

Any light source may look very bright if you look directly at them.

The other issue is that DRLs are essentially an unfocused light source. They are designed to have a wide viewing angle. Fogs and headlights however both have significant reflectors to focus the light and have much more potential to blind or dazzle, fogs more so because they are not aimed down like low beam headlights are.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Shambles on March 28, 2013, 23:53:06
Thanks for the vid.

Is it a drama of some kind? They're all fellas, aren't they....?



Apologies for the O/T  :-[
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 29, 2013, 00:00:27
It's supposed to be comedy, Steve.... :whistler:

Probably not the best vid to post but I thought you'd appreciate seeing Sharon in her undies...  :rofl:

And no, they are all female.....
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Doggie 1 on March 29, 2013, 03:03:56
Even in the Wild West, use your fog lamps in good weather and you will probably cop a fine.
Happens all the time.
Rick, you have been lucky.
Fog lights can only be used in inclement weather.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 29, 2013, 03:13:47
I think we actually knock the people who drive Volvos....  :p  :whistler:

I used too,now I have changed it too Audi drivers,  :whistler:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 29, 2013, 03:26:35
motorbikes run the headlight continuesly for visibility.  :undecided:
but this is not law,I still see far to many bikes without lights on their choice,maybe a complusory DRL for them would be a great idea,one that could not be bypassed, at manufvture,anyhow  :offtopic:,when I rode or if I borrow a bike these days,I still drive with lights on
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 29, 2013, 03:30:52
Geez Rick, don't you get me started on compulsory lights on!

It took us long enough to get the law repealed last time..... :mad:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 29, 2013, 03:37:40
A good idea in northern Europe where the sun can be seasonally dim, but designers of modern cars have gone berserk with the concept and turned it into a fashion statement.

I agree, and in my opinion most people that retrofit them are not doing so for the added "visibility" but more for the "Look At Me, Look At Me" factor....   :undecided:  :rolleyes:
this is so true,so many young yahoo's out there who are fitting 100w bulbs to their fog lamps and running them constantly,going slighlty  :offtopic: here for a story,seen a young fella at work,playing with his fog lamps(GTR Skyline) went to see if he wanted some help,took a look at the globe size(100),told him that was highly illegal,let him continue,as he wasn't going to listen to this old fart anyhow,once he was finished,I said right take my car drive up the road,turn round come back and I'll drive you car with the fog lamps on like he does on a regular basis towards you and just have a look at how they look,did this and we pulled back into works carpark and he happily changed them back to the 35w globes,one young fella point taken lesson learnt
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Doggie 1 on March 29, 2013, 03:39:03
A good idea in northern Europe where the sun can be seasonally dim, but designers of modern cars have gone berserk with the concept and turned it into a fashion statement.

I agree, and in my opinion most people that retrofit them are not doing so for the added "visibility" but more for the "Look At Me, Look At Me" factor....   :undecided:  :rolleyes:
this is so true,so many young yahoo's out there who are fitting 100w bulbs to their fog lamps and running them constantly,going slighlty  :offtopic: here for a story,seen a young fella at work,playing with his fog lamps(GTR Skyline) went to see if he wanted some help,took a look at the globe size(100),told him that was highly illegal,let him continue,as he wasn't going to listen to this old fart anyhow,once he was finished,I said right take my car drive up the road,turn round come back and I'll drive you car with the fog lamps on like he does on a regular basis towards you and just have a look at how they look,did this and we pulled back into works carpark and he happily changed them back to the 35w globes,one young fella point taken lesson learnt


A happy ending for both of you.  :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 29, 2013, 04:01:47
Geez Rick, don't you get me started on compulsory lights on!

It took us long enough to get the law repealed last time..... :mad:

Rusty yes sadly ask ten different PPL you'll get ten different answers,I choose lighs on and support the passing of a regulation,only because I think it is for the safety of the rider,I choose to do it because I value my life, I am highly rider aware,both m/cycle and bicycle, as I have and still do both,but there are so many road users out there who don't give a toss about any other road user and simply do not look before making a manuevour,anyhow again I get  :offtopic: someone beat me badly with the butt of a bang stick
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on March 29, 2013, 04:08:33
Good post (61) Rick,

I always try to point out the dangers of fiddling with lighting arrangements, the reason being that quite often, people modify their lights and drive the vehicle on the road, turn them on, looks great, happy with the increased range etc, but they're only looking at half of the equation, to an approaching vehicle, the lights can range from uncomfortable to downright dangerous, causing night blindness and possible catastrophic results. Remember, the driver you're blinding is closing in on YOU.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 29, 2013, 05:00:21
Geez Rick, don't you get me started on compulsory lights on!

It took us long enough to get the law repealed last time..... :mad:

Rusty yes sadly ask ten different PPL you'll get ten different answers,I choose lighs on and support the passing of a regulation,only because I think it is for the safety of the rider,I choose to do it because I value my life, I am highly rider aware,both m/cycle and bicycle, as I have and still do both,but there are so many road users out there who don't give a toss about any other road user and simply do not look before making a manuevour,anyhow again I get  :offtopic: someone beat me badly with the butt of a bang stick

I believe it should be the riders choice, Rick...

At the time the law was passed there was no proof that it was beneficial which was one reason it was eventually repealed.

I haven't got a problem with those that choose to ride with their light on as in certain conditions it's gonna be an advantage...but, there are also situations where having your light on is gonna be hazardous.
 
Btw, I think you'll find not much has changed as modern motorcycles still don't have a light switch. What has changed though is that it is not illegal to fit a switch if you so choose.

At the end of the day, as you are probably well aware of, regardless of the size of your vehicle and/or having lights on, people will still pull out in front of you because some people just don't look.....  :mad:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 29, 2013, 13:03:15

Btw, I think you'll find not much has changed as modern motorcycles still don't have a light switch. What has changed though is that it is not illegal to fit a switch if you so choose.

At the end of the day, as you are probably well aware of, regardless of the size of your vehicle and/or having lights on, people will still pull out in front of you because some people just don't look.....  :mad:

Rusty you have me totally confused now, not sure what bikes you have been riding for the last 41 years but everyone I have been fortunate to ride,(other than a trails or motocross bike) have all had light switches of one sort or another. even the old BSA Bantam I had had a light switch on top of the light housing,most others have been within reach of my right thumb.
But as you say it is the riders choice,I choose to support the practice as you choose to not support it,if we were all the smae in our opinions and practices it would be a boring world
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rustynutz on March 29, 2013, 14:38:17
Seems you haven't been on any modern motorcycles, Rick.....  :winker:


In 1992 "hardwired" headlights were mandated for fitment on all new motorcycles in Australia. (ADR19.01)
This meant that headlights came on with the ignition. There was no on/off switch. Fitting one was illegal.

In 1997 this ADR was repealed by the Federal Government after an enquiry into motorcycle safety cited a lack of evidence that this rule benefited motorcyclists.

With Australia being such a small market, not a lot changed after it was repealed as far as the bikes were concerned, motorcycles still have headlights hard wired.
The difference now though is it's not illegal to fit an on/off switch.  :D
 
There were issues with roadworthy requirements and insurance companies too with drivers using the excuse that they didn't see the motorcycle because the headlight wasn't working...Hard to prove one way or the other if it was smashed.... :undecided:
So, unroadworthy bike=no insurance....  :fum:

(http://www.motojem.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Yamaha-FJR-1300-2002-2.jpg)
Look closely and you'll see there's no headlight on/off switch, only a hi/lo switch....
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: baroudeur on March 29, 2013, 17:35:47

I think it's an illusion that DRLs are brighter than fog lights. A simple test is to compare a. Fogs and headlights however both have significant reflectors to focus the light and have much more potential to blind or dazzle, fogs more so because they are not aimed down like low beam headlights are.

Fog lamps have a wide flat topped beam directed downwards much lower than a dipped beam.

After converting my fogs to DRLs they had to be adjusted upwards to the maximum setting to provide a  suitable forward light but they don't dazzle.  .
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: baroudeur on March 29, 2013, 17:49:39


But, the use of existing fog lights as DRL's will still not be legal as they don't have the all important "ECE R87 Approval Mark".

Gets a bit complex.

ECE r87 is the requirement for new cars to have DRLs.  We are discussing after market 'DRLs'. 

As long as the light is the correct colour there is no restriction on using lights in daytime in the U.K.

A fog lamp used in daylight cannot cause dazzle nor if turned off automatically when  the  headlamps are used  at night .

Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Just Rick on March 30, 2013, 00:27:19
Rusty thanks for that info I don't really look at a lot of bikes these days,only when I'm on the seat,I did talk to Wayne this morning when I went to get the paper,his is the last bike I rode,2005 Ninja,he has in fact done what you said, he had a Baja light control switch fitted to his,so he could turn the H/light off,he confirmed when he first got the bike it was lights on all the time.

I have learnt something again today.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: baroudeur on March 30, 2013, 18:23:24
Use the existing fog lamps.  Only requires a 5 pin changeover relay to replace the existing fog lamp relay.  Two piggyback fuse holders abnd some wire.

I replaced the bulbs with @blue' types giving a whiter light as the LEDs I tried were not bright enough.

DRLs come on with ignition and go off with lights on and comply with U.K. lighting regulations.
Hi,
Can you give more details for DIY ?

Remove the fog lamp relay.

Connect the 5 pin relay coil to earth and to  the headlamp lo fuse with a  fuse tap.

Connect the normally closed relay  terminals to the  reverse lamp  fuse socket with a fuse tap and the terminal in the fog lamp relay socket that feeds the fog lamps.

With the 'ignition' on the normally closed relay contacts supply the fog lamps via the 'ignition' controlled reverse lamp fuse tap.

When the  headlamps are turned on the relay contacts open cutting the feed to the fog lamps.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/ (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/attachments/2nd-gen-tacomas/102576d1306806665-diy-grill-lights-wiring-details-mini-fuse-tape-.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/159695-diy-grill-lights-wiring-details.html&h=670&w=624&sz=35&tbnid=VpXZKC2d099w_M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=84&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfuse%2Btap%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=fuse+tap&usg=__E20vJpLxJKwrZOSk1mi14N7g0GI=&docid=EDZ4dmDlGfUQUM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Ti1XUZaUCaPN0QWYkIC4Dg&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQ9QEwAw&dur=450)
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rcflyers on September 13, 2014, 17:53:14
I looked at this problem for quite a while and the only place I was happy with DRL's was in the original fog lamps.  I fitted a pair of these LED bulbs in the fog lamps,

:link: 881 7.5W Super White High Power Driving LED Fog Light Lamp Front Foglight Pack Of 2: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IR2SUB4/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_3p_dp_1)

Controlled by this auto relay  (which switched the DRL's on when the engine is started,

:link: Ring Automotive RCT460 12S Smartcon Split Charge/Combination Relay: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004OSU7C0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

and also a normal 5 pin relay to switch the DRL's off when the headlamps are switched on.

All works great!
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 13, 2014, 23:34:17
In Australia, you can be fined for having fog lights illuminated when fog is not present. For some reason, even the cars with fitted DRL's do not use the fog lights, but rather the many varied and distinctive linear shapes.

Regarding the relays, I used an IGN on power source to light the DRL's, no need to use a relay for that, then I used a relay that when energized by the headlamps, it cut power to the DRL's. So that way, a relay is only physically energized when headlamps are in use, which for us is a very minor amount of time, compared to total driving time.
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: eye30 on September 14, 2014, 00:35:06


In Australia, you can be fined for having fog lights illuminated when fog is not present.

You can here but for some reason cars have them on even in bright sunshine and pc plod does nowt.....

Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 14, 2014, 01:05:05
Your lot must have plenty of cash, that's a revenue opportunity going to waste  :exclaim:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: rcflyers on September 14, 2014, 07:17:44
I will let you know if I get stopped by the police.

Another benefit of the auto relay is that when you arrive home at night, turn your headlights off before switching the headlights off and the DRL's remain lit for a minute or so before automatically switching off allowing you illuminated access to your front door!
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 14, 2014, 09:52:24
Ok  :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Possible LED DRL position for FD i30.
Post by: baroudeur on September 16, 2014, 13:52:12
Your lot must have plenty of cash, that's a revenue opportunity going to waste  :exclaim:

Only if there is legislation to enforce..........

All DLRs fitted to vehicles which are required to have them are marked DL to show they comply with the very complex requirements of the DLR legislation. However, there does not appear to be any legislation covering the fitment of any lamps which do not have to conform other than they shall not cause dazzle during darkness.  After market DLR type lamps, used during daylight hours and wired appropriately to go off when legal lighting is required seem to fall outside any legislation and there appears to be no reports of any prosecutions for such use..
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